Marin Weekend Family Fun for August 10–12

Pamela Fox | August 9, 2018

Enjoy good old fashioned family fun at this weekend's Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, August 10

Mom & Baby Yoga
Pomegranate, San Anselmo
Friday, 11 am
Enjoy your baby, reconnect with your body, and meet other new moms in our postnatal mama & baby yoga class. Class is most successful with pre-crawling babies but all are welcome to try out a class and discuss exceptions with the instructor. We want mamas to be able to get out of the house, meet other moms, and enjoy the support and exercise of a yoga class. Register here. Location: 25 Tamalpais Ave., San Anselmo. Event details.

Sonoma County Fair
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Friday–Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
The Sonoma County Fair offers both a classic full-scale carnival with plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers and a separate kiddie carnival area for the little ones, with scaled down thrills and lots of excitement. Carnival rides are an additional charge. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, $7 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. Event details

Friday Fun Day!
South Novato Library, Hamilton
Friday, 3–4 pm
Start the weekend off right with a laid-back afternoon at the South Novato Library. Whether it’s games, crafts or more, this drop-in program is a good way to relax at the end of the week! Location: 931 C Street, Hamilton, Novato. Event details.

Picnics on the Plaza
Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
Friday, 5–8 pmEnjoy live entertainment and activities; it's great, music, food and family fun! This Friday enjoy, Hella Fitzgerald - Jazz, Funk, R&B. Grab dinner-to-go at a local restaurant, purchase snacks at the event, or bring your own picnic (BYOP) and dine with old and new friends at the plaza tables on Tunstead and the Town Hall lawn Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo. Event details.

Broadway Under the Stars: Shall We Dance
Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen
Friday–Sunday, 5 pm
Take our hand as we lead you through and evening of spectacular dance featuring beautiful songs orchestrated especially for this show. Lose yourself in the sways and spins that are highlighted with familiar songs from Broadway alongside your favorite popular songs. Bring a picnic before the performance. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45–$149. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Event details.

101 Days of Summer in San Francisco: Illuminate
Exploratorium, San Francisco
Friday, 6–9 pm
This summer, spend Friday evenings at the Exploratorium. This Friday, create a glowing, inflatable lantern to light up your nights with Green Art Workshop. Using origami techniques, explore ways to illuminate layers of discarded paper with light, shadows, colors, and shapes. All ages welcome.. Free after admission. Event details

Throckmorton Youth Performers: Hairspray the Musical!
Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
Friday & Saturday, 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm
Join us this summer for Hairspray presented by the talented Throckmorton Youth Performers. Winner of eight Tony awards, this family-friendly musical is piled high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. Hairspray is a show that celebrates diversity and brings audiences to their feet with its positive message and uproarious sense of humor. Event details

Saturday, August 11

Gravenstein Apple Fair
Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
Come and celebrate a time when neighbors gathered to share home baked food, listen to some of the locals sing a tune, and learn a few farming skills. Brimming with tradition, this country fair showcases the Gravenstein apple and the experience of an old time country get together. Enjoy farming displays, a children's corner with crafts, music, and a magician, and more. Admission $15 general, $12 for adults who bike to the fair, $12 seniors & veterans, $10 youth 6–12, free for children under 5. The Gravenstein Apple Fair takes place at Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol, at 500 Ragle Road. Event details

Terwilliger Trail Hike
Stafford Lake, Novato
Saturday, 9–11 am
Join a ranger for a hike on the beautiful Terwilliger Trail at Stafford Lake Park. We’ll enjoy stunning views of the Stafford Lake watershed from the upper sections of the trail. Along the way we’ll discuss the rich natural and cultural history of the surrounding area. This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Location: 3549 Novato Blvd., Novato. Event details

The Great Train Days
Children's Museum of Sonoma County
Saturday, 9 am–4 pm & Sunday, 9 am–3 pm
Join the Redwood Empire Garden Railway Society as they show off their model trains and buildings. Build your own train tracks in Mary's Garden, listen to train music, or hear a story about trains. Don't miss out on a ride on the Live Steamers ride-on train (additional fees apply)! Regular general admission of $12, free for members
*Additional fees for concessions, face painting, and the Live Ride-on Train. Location: 1835 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa. Event details.

Storybook Character Visit: The Cat in the HatBay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Saturday & Sunday, starting at 10 am
This summer, your child’s favorite storybook characters are coming to the Bay Area Discovery Museum! On Saturdays and Sundays from June–August, costumed characters will be on-site for meet-and-greets, daily story times, photo opportunities and visits with children. Kids will have the chance to see their favorite imaginary characters brought to life, while enjoying an engaging literary experience! Saturday members-only time at 9:30 am. Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito. Event details.

Concert for Kids & Tot Art in the Park
Robin Sweeny Park, Sausaltio
Saturday, 10:30 amSausalito Parks and Recreation is pleased to bring back Concert for Kids & Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Sausalito Lions Club, this annual children's entertainment series takes place on Saturday mornings once a month from July through October at Robin Sweeny Park. These summer and fall performances feature music, art, fun and laughs for children of all ages. Bring your family, a blanket and enjoy these free concerts. Location: 420 Litho Street, Sausalito. Event details

Presidio Family-Friendly Bike Ride
Presidio Visitor Center, San Francisco
Saturday, 10–11:30 am
Join a Presidio Park Ranger and Presidio Trust guide on this gentle 4-mile bike ride. Roll through the history and nature of the Presidio at a family-friendly pace that's fun for all! Rent a bike from Sports Basement or bring your own. Appropriate for ages 8+. Event details

Lion Appreciation Day
Oakland Zoo
Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
Bring the family for lots of fun activities: lion enrichment at 10 am, lion keeper talk at 1:15 pm, lion-themed facepainting, a lion biofact education station and more. You can even buy crafts made by people living near lions in Uganda. Free with zoo admission. Location: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. Event details.

Pixie Park Open House
Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross
Saturday, 10:30 am–noon
Open houses are a great way to learn about the history of Pixie Park and what it means to belong to our Co-Op Playground. The New Member Open House is conducted in a casual environment where you can speak to a board member about the benefits and responsibilities of being a Pixie family, as well as ask questions and meet other prospective families. After learning about the park, interested families can sign-up and receive their key. Event details

Creative Family Fun: Hooked on Books
Presidio Officers’ Club
Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
Drop in for imaginative craft-making based on the Presidio’s natural and cultural heritage. Come and celebrate Booklover's Day by creating your own bookmark to use as you explore your favorite books! Stay and visit our mini-library.Registration not required, but preferred.Location: 50 Moraga Avenue, Pershing Square (across from the Presidio Officers' Club), San Francisco. Event details.

Skate and Scoot Session
McInnis Park, San Rafael
Saturday, 12–2 pm
Join us at the McInnis skatepark where rangers will offer tips and techniques for beginners as well as ways to attack features that build confidence and skill. This event is geared towards the newbie skateboarder or scooter rider and those looking to cross over from other board sports but aren’t quite sure how to start. Feel free to join us for the free nacho bar after burning all those calories skating and scooting! This event is ideal for all ages. Don’t forget to bring your board or scooter, helmet, and pads. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Park entrance is free. Location: 310 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael. Event details

Movie on the Green: Cars
Novato Civic Green
Saturday, 7 pm
Gather your friends and family, low-back lawn chairs and comfy blankets to enjoy the Disney movie Cars outside on the Civic Green. Kona Ice, beverages, and popcorn will be available for purchase. Arrive at 7 pm to check out the City of Novato's police and public works vehicles! Free. Movie will begin approximately 8:30 pm. Event details

Campfire Program
Sonoma State Historic Park
Saturday, 7:30–8:30 pm
Gather ‘round the campfire in this historic setting. Join in the fun with a short talk, songs and, of course, a marshmallow roast! All ages, free of charge. Location: Barracks Courtyard, Sonoma Historic Park. Event details

Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing
Mount Burdell Preserve, Novato
Saturday, 11 pm–1 am
Bring the whole family out for an evening under the stars on Mount Burdell. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the view. The star of the show will be the Perseids Meteor Shower, which will be at its peak at around midnight. This event is ideal for all ages. Don’t forget to binoculars or a telescope, blankets, water, snacks, and star charts. We’ll provide hot chocolate. Event details

Sunday, August 12

Civic Center Farmers' Market
Marin Civic Center, San RafaelSunday, 8 am–1 pm
There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. Event details

Pancake Breakfast at West Point Inn
Mt. Tamalpais
Sunday, 9 am–1 pm
Bring the family for a delicious Sunday morning breakfast and breathtaking mountaintop view of San Francisco and the bay area. Come enjoy flufffy pancakes, tasty sausage, and hot coffee for only $10 (kids are $5). Orange juice and cantaloupe are available for $1 extra. Scenic views and live music are included with your breakfast. Event details

Marine Science Sunday
Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Sunday, 10 am–5 pmThis Sunday's program is "Under the Bridge: Marine Mammals of SF Bay." Our own backyard in the bay is full of amazing marine mammals! Free classroom programs will highlight our local sea lions, harbor porpoises, dolphins, and even the occasional whale that wanders under the bridge! Augment the free classroom program with a docent-led tour at 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm for a truly immersive marine mammal experience. Free. Event details

Perseid Metor Shower
Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland
Sunday, 11 am to Monday, 3 am
Hang out on our new observation deck and be dazzled as you watch the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower makes it annual trip through our atmosphere and lights up the night sky. Our astronomers are on hand to answer questions and hot chocolate and other goodies will be available. Tickets $8 per person. Location: 100000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. Event details.

Presidio Picnic
San Francisco Presidio
Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
Presidio Picnic is a great family event that takes place Sundays on the Presidio’s beautiful Main Parade Ground, a seven-acre lawn with views of the park, the city, and the San Francisco Bay. Presidio Picnic features a rotating lineup of 25 international mobile food creators, ​free yoga class, free Presidio Y Bike learn to ride lessons for kids on the first Sunday of the month, a cultural dance program every 4th Sunday, and more. Event details

Stern Grove FestivalSigmund Stern Grove, San FranciscoSunday, 2 pm
This Sunday, the legendary Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes; local band Humidor opens. Programs and activities for children on the Kid Stage from noon to 1 pm before every concert. Free admission. Location: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Event details

Summer Music Series
Corte Madera Town Center
Sunday, 2–4 pm
Enjoy live music every Sunday all summer long. This Sunday: Dave Correa Music. Free. Event details

Free Music in the Park
Creek Park, San Anselmo
Sunday, 4–6 pm
Bring the a picnic, blanket and the whole family for live music in the park. This Sunday: El Cajon. Location: Creek Park, Sir Francis Drake and Center Boulevards, San Anselmo. Event details

Summer Sunday Concerts at Piccolo Pavilion
Old Corte Madera Square
Sundays, 5–6:30 pm
Bring the family to the free outdoor summer concerts at the Old Corte Madera Square. This Sunday: Bubba's Taxi. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic. Event details